'''Beppu''' (別府) [http://www.city.beppu.oita.jp/] is a city in [[Oita prefecture]] on the island of [[Kyushu]], [[Japan]].

'''Beppu''' (別府) [http://www.city.beppu.oita.jp/] is a city in [[Oita prefecture]] on the island of [[Kyushu]], [[Japan]].

==Understand==

==Understand==

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As one of Japan's [[Japan's Top 3|Three Great Hot Springs]], Beppu has eight different hot springs (Onsen) areas: Beppu, Kannawa, Myoban, Kankaiji, Kamegawa, Hamawaki, Horita and Shibaseki. Beppu was once known as the [[Las Vegas]] of Japan, a reference more to its extensive sex industry than gambling. The resort has been attempting to clean up its image. To non-Japanese tourists, the sex industry may not be as obvious.

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A relatively small city, it is famous for its unique and visually stunning hot springs (The aptly named Hells of Beppu), which are one of Japan's [[Japan's Top 3|Three Great Hot Springs]].

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Beppu is along the coast but pressed by the mountains. As a result the city, while not very large, is rather long. Most of the most well-known onsens and the tourist attractions, including most of the ''Jigoku'' or "hells", are in the Kannawa area which is almost on the opposite side of the city from the train station. There are buses within the city but the distances are farther than one might expect and the buses usually only come once or twice an hour. Many of the onsen are open very late, so many tourists opt to stay in one of the onsen areas.

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Beppu is along the coast and pressed by mountains, making for a thin & long city. Most of the most well-known onsens and tourist attractions, including most of the ''Jigoku'' or "hells", are in the Kannawa area which is almost on the opposite side of the city from the train station. However, the tourist-centric bus system makes transport a breeze.

==Get in==

==Get in==

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===By train===

===By train===

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The ''Sonic'' limited express train runs twice an hour from [[Fukuoka]] (Hakata Station) and [[Kokura]], stopping at Beppu before terminating in [[Oita]]. From Hakata station to Beppu takes ~117 minutes, and if purchased as an individual ticket costs &yen;4290. From either Hakata or Kokura it's much better to buy nimai-kippu (discount two tickets) for ¥6,000 (Hakata <> Beppu) / ¥5,800 (Kokura <> Beppu) or yonmai-kippu (discount four tickets: recommended if two people travel) for ¥10,000 (Hakata <> Beppu) / ¥9,800 (Kokura <> Beppu.)

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The ''Sonic'' limited express train runs twice an hour from Hakata Station in [[Fukuoka]] and Kokura Station in [[Kitakyushu]], stopping at Beppu before terminating in [[Oita]]. From Hakata station to Beppu takes ~117 minutes.

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If you are coming from Honshu on the San'yo Shinkansen line (such as those holding Japan Rail Passes), switch to the ''Sonic'' at Kokura station. From Kokura, you can reach Beppu in 75 minutes at a cost of &yen;4290 each way (no charge with the Japan Rail Pass).

If you are coming from Honshu on the San'yo Shinkansen line (such as those holding Japan Rail Passes), switch to the ''Sonic'' at Kokura station. From Kokura, you can reach Beppu in 75 minutes at the prices quoted above, or for free if you hold a rail pass.

An overnight train, the ''Fuji'', runs from [[Tokyo Station]] to Beppu in 17 hours, departing Tokyo at 6 PM. If you want reach Beppu in a shorter amount of time, you can take the 10 PM ''Sunrise Izumo/Sunrise Seto'' to [[Himeji]], take the San'yo Shinkansen to [[Kokura]], then take the ''Sonic'' to Beppu. (12 hours)

An overnight train, the ''Fuji'', runs from [[Tokyo Station]] to Beppu in 17 hours, departing Tokyo at 6 PM. If you want reach Beppu in a shorter amount of time, you can take the 10 PM ''Sunrise Izumo/Sunrise Seto'' to [[Himeji]], take the San'yo Shinkansen to [[Kokura]], then take the ''Sonic'' to Beppu. (12 hours)

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===Information Office===

===Information Office===

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The '''Foreign Tourist Information Office''' [http://www17.ocn.ne.jp/~ftio] has three branches in the city center. One is near the east exit of JR Beppu Station (TEL: 0977-21-6220), the second is on Ekimae-dori, between the Ginza and Yayoi shopping arcades (TEL: 0977-23-1119) and the third is located in Jigoku-mushi Kohbo in Kannwa (TEL: 0977-66-3855). Two of them (except Beppu Station) offer free internet access. They open from 9:00 to 17:00.

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The '''Foreign Tourist Information Office''' [http://www17.ocn.ne.jp/~ftio] has three branches in the city center. One is near the east exit of JR Beppu Station (TEL: 0977-21-6220), the second is on Ekimae-dori, between the Ginza and Yayoi shopping arcades (TEL: 0977-23-1119) and the third is located in Jigoku-mushi Kohbo in Kannwa (TEL: 0977-66-3855). All but the Beppu station location offer free internet access. They operate 9:00 to 17:00.

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==Get Around==

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===On Foot:===

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The town itself is walkable. However, the Hells may be a bit far from downtown, a some a bit far from each other, for many to choose this option. Additionally the walk would be along highways/roads, and thus not particularly scenic. Though, it is doable.

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===By Bus:===

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The Hells and other sites can be easily reached via the tourist-centered bus system. Departures are outside JR Beppu Station. The Foreign Tourist Information Office inside JR Beppu Station sells one-day bus passes for ¥900 (¥700 students), which is likely the best deal for most. The buses run in routes thus that no backtracking is necessary to visit all the of Hells.

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==Get Around==

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The system is very much setup for visiting the hells, so it is no necessarily a must to plan one's route in advance.

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Most of the sights can be reached by the Kamenoi bus system. Departures are from the terminals outside JR Beppu Station. The Foreign Tourist Information Office in Beppu Station sells one-day bus passes for 900 yen (700 yen for students). This works out to a similar price to buying an individual ticket to the first Hell area, onward to the second Hell area, and finally back to Beppu station. Additionally, this bus pass comes with a coupon book, including a &yen;200 discount for the Hell's combination ticket. With that discount factored in, it comes to &yen;50 less expensive than buying everything separately.

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Whatever one chooses to do, the aforementioned information office can tell one which bus # next leaves for their destination.

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The tourism office (see below) can additionally provide the departure time and number of the next bus going to your destination (if it's the Hells - the next bus will be leaving shortly), as well as maps detailing the route. On the Hells route itself, bus schedules are clearly posted at stops. The longest intervals are ~30 minutes.

==See==

==See==

===Jigoku===

===Jigoku===

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Beppu's top sight are the ten '''hells''' (地獄 ''Jigoku''), multicolored volcanic pits of boiling water and mud, and one geyser. The hells are too hot to be diluted into ''onsen'', and they emerge at temperatures ranging from 50 to 99.5 °C (122 to 210 °F). Some of the hells have a natural smell of sulfur &mdash; which comes out a bit like rotten eggs.

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[[Image:Bloodhell2.jpg|thumb|350px|Blood Pond Hell]]

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Beppu's top sight is the eight '''hells''' (地獄 ''Jigoku''), multicolored volcanic pits of boiling water and mud, and one geyser. The hells are too hot to be diluted into ''onsen'', as the temps range from 50 to 99.5 °C (122 to 210 °F). Some of the hells have a natural smell of sulfur.

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The main group of eight hells are administered by '''The Beppu Jigoku Association''' (Tel. 0977-66-1577). [http://www.beppu-jigoku.com] Combination tickets can be purchased for &yen;2000 for visits to 8 of the hells. If one purchases an unlimited bus ticket for &yen;900 from the Foreign Tourist Office in Beppu train station, one is given a coupon book. Included is a &yen;200 discount for the combination ticket. If purchased separately, dmission to each individual hell is &yen;400. Hours for the eight hells are 8:00AM-5:00PM, although '''Tatsumaki-Jigoku''' doesn't close until its geyser has had it's last eruption at the end of the day, so it may be open a little bit later than the rest.

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The hells are administered by '''The Beppu Jigoku Association''' (Tel. 0977-66-1577). [http://www.beppu-jigoku.com] Combination tickets can be purchased at any of the hells for &yen;2000 for visits to all eight. If one purchases an unlimited bus ticket for &yen;900 from the Foreign Tourist Office in Beppu train station, one is given a coupon book. Included is a &yen;200 discount for the combination ticket. If purchased separately, admission to each individual hell is &yen;400.

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Six hells are within very easy walking distance of each other. Take bus #2, #5, #9, #41, or #43 from JR Beppu Station to the Umijigoku-mae stop. The foreign touriist office in Beppu train station can tell you the next bus that is leaving for the area, as well as provide a map of the route.

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Hours for the eight hells are 8:00AM-5:00PM, although '''Tatsumaki-Jigoku''' will stay open a little past 5:00 to get one more eruption. All eight hells can be seen at a fairly leisurely pace in about two and a half hours.

* '''Umi-Jigoku''' (Sea Hell)

* '''Umi-Jigoku''' (Sea Hell)

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* '''Tatsumaki-Jigoku''' (Geyser Hell)

* '''Tatsumaki-Jigoku''' (Geyser Hell)

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Finally, there are two hells that are not included in the combination ticket.

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The Tatsumaki-Jigoku is a geyser that goes off every 30-40 minutes for a period of about 5 minutes. One trick in using your time efficiently for the final two hells is to first go to the Tatsumaki-Jigoku and find out when the next eruption occurs. If you just missed the last one, then go see the Chinoike-Jigoku first.

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* '''Honbouzu-Jigoku''' (Mud Hell) Bus #2 from JR Beppu Station (20 min) runs to Honbouzu, or it's a short distance from Umijigoku-mae. Admission is &yen;400.

* '''Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Center''' (Tel. 0977-23-1072) Has displays on bamboo craftsmanship and offers courses on making your own. Buses run from JR Beppu Station.

* '''Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Center''' (Tel. 0977-23-1072) Has displays on bamboo craftsmanship and offers courses on making your own. Buses run from JR Beppu Station.

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* '''Beppu Hihonkan (Sex Museum)''' (Tel. 0977 66 1385; 336 Kannawa. Open 9:00AM-5:00PM, &yen;700) Conspicuously missing from the official maps provided by the local tourism agency, it's nevertheless quite easy to find, next to Siraike-Jigoku on Miyuki-zaka in the Kannawa Jigoku area.

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* '''Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway''' (Tel. 0977-22-2278; &yen;1400 round trip) When the weather is clear this ropeway will take you 800m up to the top of Mt. Tsurumi (1375m) which has a full view of the city and Beppu Bay. Hours vary by season but mostly closes around dusk. Evening views are only available during Golden Week and August. From the upper station there is a ten-minute uphill walk to the top, with several small temples and shrines along the way.

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* '''Beppu City Global Tower''' (Tel. 0977-26-7111; Open 9:00AM-9:00PM Mar-Nov., 9:00AM-7:00PM Dec-Feb., &yen;300) An observatory 100m up within Beppu City itself that gives a full 360 degree view of the city. It's part of the Beppu International Convention Plaza (B-Con Plaza) and about 15 minutes on foot from the west exit of Beppu Station, just across from the western side of Beppu Park.

==Do==

==Do==

===Onsen===

===Onsen===

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Downtown Beppu offers several [[Japan#Onsen|hot springs]] to visit. You can't wander too far, though, without seeing the equally promiscuous sex shops, which will usually be quite blatant on the streets. If you're going to visit a hot spring with children, and you're worried about this, plan ahead.

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Downtown Beppu offers several [[Japan#Onsen|hot springs]] to visit.

[[Image:takegawara.jpg|thumb|250px|Takegawara Onsen]]

[[Image:takegawara.jpg|thumb|250px|Takegawara Onsen]]

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* <do name="Takegawara Onsen" address="16-23 Motomachi" phone="Tel. 0977-67-3880" email="" fax="" hours="6:30AM-10:30PM" price="Tickets are &yen;100 for the hot bath, &yen;1000 to include the sand bath. Discount coupons may be available from some of the neighboring hotels" url=""> A Meiji-era classic. The hot bath is extraordinarily hot, and signs gently remind you that the regulars like it that way. If you're not in a hurry, take a dip after you've been buried up to your neck in hot sand on the other side of the building. Tickets come with a ''yukata''. Step into the changing room to stash your valuables, change into your yukata, head through the curtain, and then lay down in the sand pit (with the yukata on); an attendant will be along to shovel hot sand on you shortly. (Cameras are welcome &mdash; they're happy to take photos of you while you're buried.) After ten minutes or so, you'll emerge from the earth and shower back in the changing area. It's between Ekimae-dori and Nagarekawa-dori, one block before the intersection with Route 10.</do>

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* <do name="Takegawara Onsen" alt="" address="16-23 Motomachi" directions="" phone="Tel. 0977-67-3880" url="http://onsenmeijin.com/blogs/13-takegawara-onsen" hours="6:30AM-10:30PM" price="Tickets are ¥100 for the hot bath, ¥1000 to include the sand bath. Discount coupons may be available from some of the neighboring hotels" lat="33.277457000000" long="131.505954300000" email="" fax=""> A Meiji-era classic. The hot bath is extraordinarily hot, and signs gently remind you that the regulars like it that way. If you're not in a hurry, take a dip after you've been buried up to your neck in hot sand on the other side of the building. Tickets come with a ''yukata''. Step into the changing room to stash your valuables, change into your yukata, head through the curtain, and then lay down in the sand pit (with the yukata on); an attendant will be along to shovel hot sand on you shortly. (Cameras are welcome &mdash; they're happy to take photos of you while you're buried.) After ten minutes or so, you'll emerge from the earth and shower back in the changing area. It's between Ekimae-dori and Nagarekawa-dori, one block before the intersection with Route 10.</do>

** '''Hyotan Onsen''' -- a large complex open until 1:00 AM with indoor and outdoor baths using several types f wood and stones, sauna and steam rooms, a waterfall bath, and a dry sand bath

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** '''Hyotan Onsen'''[http://www.hyotan-onsen.com/english/] -- a large complex open until 1:00 AM with indoor and outdoor baths using several types of wood and stones, sauna and steam rooms, a waterfall bath, and a dry sand bath

*<eat name="Toyotsune" alt="とよ常" address="Ekimae Hon Machi" directions="As you exit the East Exit of Beppu Train Station, it's opposite the station on the left side tucked in the corner." phone="" url="" hours="Till 9PM" price="" lat="" long="">A small but cozy outlet that has a 20 year history. The place's friendly Okami-san has also recently prepared an English menu (inquire inside). The place serves a good Tendon (2 big prawns!) for ¥680, and it comes with a Miso Soup which is also the shop's speciality, with a stronger taste than the normal ones. For the adventurous, they do Fugu as well for around ¥2200. </eat>

*<eat name="Toyotsune" alt="とよ常" address="Ekimae Hon Machi" directions="As you exit the East Exit of Beppu Train Station, it's opposite the station on the left side tucked in the corner." phone="" url="" hours="Till 9PM" price="" lat="" long="">A small but cozy outlet that has a 20 year history. The place's friendly Okami-san has also recently prepared an English menu (inquire inside). The place serves a good Tendon (2 big prawns!) for ¥680, and it comes with a Miso Soup which is also the shop's speciality, with a stronger taste than the normal ones. For the adventurous, they do Fugu as well for around ¥2200. </eat>

directions="Daisansou-Iriguchi bus stop (Oita Kotsu Bus toward Ritsumeikan)" phone="" url="http://hanatokeicoffeeandtea.blogspot.com/" hours="8AM-8PM" price="400-1000 Yen" lat="" long=""> Opened for nearly 30 years, Hanatokei is currently run by Mrs. Matsumoto, a devoted student of coffee beans and baking. The menu includes Japanese and Western style dishes.</eat>

directions="Daisansou-Iriguchi bus stop (Oita Kotsu Bus toward Ritsumeikan)" phone="" url="http://hanatokeicoffeeandtea.blogspot.com/" hours="8AM-8PM" price="400-1000 Yen" lat="" long=""> Opened for nearly 30 years, Hanatokei is currently run by Mrs. Matsumoto, a devoted student of coffee beans and baking. The menu includes Japanese and Western style dishes.</eat>

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==Drink==

==Drink==

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* <drink name="Hitparade" address="" phone="" email="" price="Men &yen;3600 Women &yen;3000"> A uniquely Japanese experience, Hit Parade is an all you can eat buffet and all you can drink (alcoholic or not) American 1950's Dance Hall. A live band preforms songs from 1950's America while locals preform coordinated dance moves in front of the stage. It's more of a show than a modern dance club, think of a theater with food and drinks, but well worth the scene.</drink>

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* <drink name="Hitparade" address="" phone="" email="" price="Men &yen;3600 Women &yen;3000"> A uniquely Japanese experience, Hit Parade is an all you can eat buffet and all you can drink (alcoholic or not) American 1950's Dance Hall. A live band performs songs from 1950's America while locals perform coordinated dance moves in front of the stage. It's more of a show than a modern dance club, think of a theater with food and drinks, but well worth the scene.</drink>

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*<drink name="68" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">A small bar with English and Japanese speaking staff. Usually frequented by local university students. It can be too busy on weekends in Semester but is a good place for a drink and to find useful information about local sights in and around Beppu.</drink>

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*<drink name="Plan B" alt="" address="大分県別府市北浜1-10-12" directions="Opposite Tokiwa Department Store" phone="+81 097 726 6200" url="http://www.facebook.com/PlanB.beppu" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">An international bar/club with English and Japanese speaking staff. Usually frequented by local university students. Crazy parties can take place on weekends during the Semester but generally Plan B is a great place for a drink and good conversation. This bar has also often proven itself to be an entertaining source of information about local sights and attractions.</drink>

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==Sleep==

==Sleep==

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* <sleep name="Beppu Guest House" alt="" price="Dorm room ¥1500 Single Room ¥2500">Amazingly close to the JR Beppu station, shopping and more. Great location, nice staff, laundry - and the staff are quite helpful and knowledgeable about the area.</sleep>

* <sleep name="Beppu Guest House" alt="" price="Dorm room ¥1500 Single Room ¥2500">Amazingly close to the JR Beppu station, shopping and more. Great location, nice staff, laundry - and the staff are quite helpful and knowledgeable about the area.</sleep>

* <sleep name="Minshuku Kokage" address="8-9 Ekimae-cho" phone="0977-23-1753" email="[email protected]" fax="0977-23-3895" checkin="" checkout="" price="Japanese and Western style rooms &yen;4350 for one, &yen;7650 for two, &yen;11,475 for three" url=""> A short walk down Ekimae-dori from the east exit of JR Beppu Station; look for the prominent sign. Has its own hot bath.</sleep>

* <sleep name="Minshuku Kokage" address="8-9 Ekimae-cho" phone="0977-23-1753" email="[email protected]" fax="0977-23-3895" checkin="" checkout="" price="Japanese and Western style rooms &yen;4350 for one, &yen;7650 for two, &yen;11,475 for three" url=""> A short walk down Ekimae-dori from the east exit of JR Beppu Station; look for the prominent sign. Has its own hot bath.</sleep>

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==Get out==

==Get out==

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* [[Yufuin]], nearby, offers even more hot-springs.

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* [[Yufu|Yufuin]], nearby, offers even more hot springs.

* Beppu can serve as a resting point before or after a trip to [[Mount Aso]]. The Kyushu Oudan Bus departs for Mount Aso from a depot about a block and a half east of JR Beppu Station on Ekimae-dori.

* Beppu can serve as a resting point before or after a trip to [[Mount Aso]]. The Kyushu Oudan Bus departs for Mount Aso from a depot about a block and a half east of JR Beppu Station on Ekimae-dori.

* '''Takasakiyama''' About half-way between Oita and Beppu, where a colony of Japanese macaques can be visited in a pleasant surrounding. At the base of the mountain is the visitors' center and Oita's Marine Palace, an aquarium with a dolphin show and trained fish.

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* '''Takasakiyama''' (Tel. 097-532-5010 Open daily 8:30AM-5:00PM ticket office closes at 4:30PM; &yen;500) About half-way between Oita and Beppu, where a colony of over 500 Japanese macaques can be visited in a pleasant surrounding. The macaques walk among you and one of the best sights is feeding time when a frenzy starts. For photos and video the best time to visit is from morning to early afternoon when the sun is behind you. At the base of the mountain is the visitors' center and Oita's Marine Palace, an aquarium with a dolphin show and trained fish. Those going to both can get a discount ticket at the Beppu Tourist Office in Beppu Station.

Understand

A relatively small city, it is famous for its unique and visually stunning hot springs (The aptly named Hells of Beppu), which are one of Japan's Three Great Hot Springs.

Beppu is along the coast and pressed by mountains, making for a thin & long city. Most of the most well-known onsens and tourist attractions, including most of the Jigoku or "hells", are in the Kannawa area which is almost on the opposite side of the city from the train station. However, the tourist-centric bus system makes transport a breeze.

Get in

By plane

The nearest airport is in Oita, from which shuttle buses run to Beppu downtown (¥1450, 40 minutes).

The Fukuoka airport can be also used thanks to the bus service from the airport through the Oita Expressway coming to Kannawa onsen / Beppu downtown (¥2000 in case of 4-coupon ticket, 110 minutes).

By train

The Sonic limited express train runs twice an hour from Hakata Station in Fukuoka and Kokura Station in Kitakyushu, stopping at Beppu before terminating in Oita. From Hakata station to Beppu takes ~117 minutes.

If you are coming from Honshu on the San'yo Shinkansen line (such as those holding Japan Rail Passes), switch to the Sonic at Kokura station. From Kokura, you can reach Beppu in 75 minutes at the prices quoted above, or for free if you hold a rail pass.

An overnight train, the Fuji, runs from Tokyo Station to Beppu in 17 hours, departing Tokyo at 6 PM. If you want reach Beppu in a shorter amount of time, you can take the 10 PM Sunrise Izumo/Sunrise Seto to Himeji, take the San'yo Shinkansen to Kokura, then take the Sonic to Beppu. (12 hours)

By car

The Oita Expressway runs from the south, passing a few miles to the west of the city. Exit at the Beppu Interchange. National Route 10 runs north-south through the city center, along the shore of Beppu Bay.

By boat

Uwajima-un'yu ferrry company operates frequent service from Yawatahama, with about 6 crossings per day, going to Beppu port.

Diamond Ferries runs a service from Kobe to reasonably nearby Oita, with no stops. It also runs a service from Osaka to Oita, stopping in Matsuyama on the way.

Information Office

The Foreign Tourist Information Office[9] has three branches in the city center. One is near the east exit of JR Beppu Station (TEL: 0977-21-6220), the second is on Ekimae-dori, between the Ginza and Yayoi shopping arcades (TEL: 0977-23-1119) and the third is located in Jigoku-mushi Kohbo in Kannwa (TEL: 0977-66-3855). All but the Beppu station location offer free internet access. They operate 9:00 to 17:00.

Get Around

On Foot:

The town itself is walkable. However, the Hells may be a bit far from downtown, a some a bit far from each other, for many to choose this option. Additionally the walk would be along highways/roads, and thus not particularly scenic. Though, it is doable.

By Bus:

The Hells and other sites can be easily reached via the tourist-centered bus system. Departures are outside JR Beppu Station. The Foreign Tourist Information Office inside JR Beppu Station sells one-day bus passes for ¥900 (¥700 students), which is likely the best deal for most. The buses run in routes thus that no backtracking is necessary to visit all the of Hells.

The system is very much setup for visiting the hells, so it is no necessarily a must to plan one's route in advance.

The tourism office (see below) can additionally provide the departure time and number of the next bus going to your destination (if it's the Hells - the next bus will be leaving shortly), as well as maps detailing the route. On the Hells route itself, bus schedules are clearly posted at stops. The longest intervals are ~30 minutes.

See

Jigoku

Blood Pond Hell

Beppu's top sight is the eight hells (地獄 Jigoku), multicolored volcanic pits of boiling water and mud, and one geyser. The hells are too hot to be diluted into onsen, as the temps range from 50 to 99.5 °C (122 to 210 °F). Some of the hells have a natural smell of sulfur.

The hells are administered by The Beppu Jigoku Association (Tel. 0977-66-1577). [10] Combination tickets can be purchased at any of the hells for ¥2000 for visits to all eight. If one purchases an unlimited bus ticket for ¥900 from the Foreign Tourist Office in Beppu train station, one is given a coupon book. Included is a ¥200 discount for the combination ticket. If purchased separately, admission to each individual hell is ¥400.

Hours for the eight hells are 8:00AM-5:00PM, although Tatsumaki-Jigoku will stay open a little past 5:00 to get one more eruption. All eight hells can be seen at a fairly leisurely pace in about two and a half hours.

Umi-Jigoku (Sea Hell)

Oniishibozu-Jigoku (Shaven Monk's Head Hell)

Yama-Jigoku (Mountain Hell)

Kamado-Jigoku (Boiling Hell)

Oniyama-Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell)

Shiraike-Jigoku (White Pond Hell)

Two more hells are about 2.5km away. Either catch a bus back to the Kannawa Onsen bus stop or walk a couple minutes down the main road or Miyuki-zaka to Kannawa Onsen street, and take a left. From the Kannawa Onsen stop, take bus #16 (6 min).

Chinoike-Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell)

Tatsumaki-Jigoku (Geyser Hell)

The Tatsumaki-Jigoku is a geyser that goes off every 30-40 minutes for a period of about 5 minutes. One trick in using your time efficiently for the final two hells is to first go to the Tatsumaki-Jigoku and find out when the next eruption occurs. If you just missed the last one, then go see the Chinoike-Jigoku first.

Other sights

Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Center (Tel. 0977-23-1072) Has displays on bamboo craftsmanship and offers courses on making your own. Buses run from JR Beppu Station.

Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway (Tel. 0977-22-2278; ¥1400 round trip) When the weather is clear this ropeway will take you 800m up to the top of Mt. Tsurumi (1375m) which has a full view of the city and Beppu Bay. Hours vary by season but mostly closes around dusk. Evening views are only available during Golden Week and August. From the upper station there is a ten-minute uphill walk to the top, with several small temples and shrines along the way.

Beppu City Global Tower (Tel. 0977-26-7111; Open 9:00AM-9:00PM Mar-Nov., 9:00AM-7:00PM Dec-Feb., ¥300) An observatory 100m up within Beppu City itself that gives a full 360 degree view of the city. It's part of the Beppu International Convention Plaza (B-Con Plaza) and about 15 minutes on foot from the west exit of Beppu Station, just across from the western side of Beppu Park.

Do

Onsen

Takegawara Onsen, 16-23 Motomachi, ☎Tel. 0977-67-3880, [1]. 6:30AM-10:30PM. A Meiji-era classic. The hot bath is extraordinarily hot, and signs gently remind you that the regulars like it that way. If you're not in a hurry, take a dip after you've been buried up to your neck in hot sand on the other side of the building. Tickets come with a yukata. Step into the changing room to stash your valuables, change into your yukata, head through the curtain, and then lay down in the sand pit (with the yukata on); an attendant will be along to shovel hot sand on you shortly. (Cameras are welcome — they're happy to take photos of you while you're buried.) After ten minutes or so, you'll emerge from the earth and shower back in the changing area. It's between Ekimae-dori and Nagarekawa-dori, one block before the intersection with Route 10.Tickets are ¥100 for the hot bath, ¥1000 to include the sand bath. Discount coupons may be available from some of the neighboring hotels. (33.277457000000,131.505954300000)

The other hot spring areas in addition to the downtown Beppu are:

Kannawa Onsen (Bus 5, 9, 41, 43 from JR Beppu Station)

Yukemuri Observation Platform to see hot springs steam against mountains.

Hyotan Onsen[11] -- a large complex open until 1:00 AM with indoor and outdoor baths using several types of wood and stones, sauna and steam rooms, a waterfall bath, and a dry sand bath

Festivals

The international Music Festival: Argerich's Meeting Point in Beppu has been annually held since 1998 [17] .

Learn

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. The Beppu branch of this Kyoto-based university has students from over 80 countries. Take bus #50 or #51 from JR Beppu Station to reach the campus.

Beppu University is about two miles west of JR Beppu Daigaku Station.

Buy

The mud-yellow Tokiwa Department Store has four floors of high-end and casual clothing shops, a food court in the basement, and other standard depato fare. It's on Ekimae-dori, at the intersection with Route 10. There is a starbucks on the ground floor.

You Me town Department Store (Beppu shop). On Route 10 near Beppu Tower. There's a large grocery, pharmacy, and beauty shop on the ground level.

B-Passage（Beppu Station center）

Smaller shops can be found in the Ginza Shopping Arcade and the Yayoi Shopping Arcade between Ekimae-dori and Nagarekawa-dori.

Eat

Toyotsune (とよ常), Ekimae Hon Machi (As you exit the East Exit of Beppu Train Station, it's opposite the station on the left side tucked in the corner.). Till 9PM. A small but cozy outlet that has a 20 year history. The place's friendly Okami-san has also recently prepared an English menu (inquire inside). The place serves a good Tendon (2 big prawns!) for ¥680, and it comes with a Miso Soup which is also the shop's speciality, with a stronger taste than the normal ones. For the adventurous, they do Fugu as well for around ¥2200.

Hanatokei Coffee and Tea (花時計珈琲館), Funakoshimachi 1-32 (Daisansou-Iriguchi bus stop (Oita Kotsu Bus toward Ritsumeikan)), [2]. 8AM-8PM. Opened for nearly 30 years, Hanatokei is currently run by Mrs. Matsumoto, a devoted student of coffee beans and baking. The menu includes Japanese and Western style dishes.400-1000 Yen.

Drink

Hitparade. A uniquely Japanese experience, Hit Parade is an all you can eat buffet and all you can drink (alcoholic or not) American 1950's Dance Hall. A live band performs songs from 1950's America while locals perform coordinated dance moves in front of the stage. It's more of a show than a modern dance club, think of a theater with food and drinks, but well worth the scene.Men ¥3600 Women ¥3000.

Plan B, 大分県別府市北浜1-10-12 (Opposite Tokiwa Department Store), ☎+81 097 726 6200, [3]. An international bar/club with English and Japanese speaking staff. Usually frequented by local university students. Crazy parties can take place on weekends during the Semester but generally Plan B is a great place for a drink and good conversation. This bar has also often proven itself to be an entertaining source of information about local sights and attractions.

Sleep

Budget

Beppu Guest House. Amazingly close to the JR Beppu station, shopping and more. Great location, nice staff, laundry - and the staff are quite helpful and knowledgeable about the area.Dorm room ¥1500 Single Room ¥2500.

Minshuku Kokage, 8-9 Ekimae-cho, ☎0977-23-1753 ([email protected], fax: 0977-23-3895). A short walk down Ekimae-dori from the east exit of JR Beppu Station; look for the prominent sign. Has its own hot bath.Japanese and Western style rooms ¥4350 for one, ¥7650 for two, ¥11,475 for three.

Nogami Honkan, 1-12-1 Kitahama, ☎81-977-221334 ([email protected]), [5]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 10AM. New, spacious and well-appointed rooms, with meals and 3 private and 2 public Onsen available. There is a fluent English speaker on staff during the day-time hours. It's a few minutes from JR Beppu Station on Ekimae-dori. Turn right at the first street once you see the post office across the street on your left.It's a terrific value at ¥5000 per person.

Mid-range

Splurge

Suginoi Hotel, Kankaiji 1, ☎0977-24-1161 (fax: 0977-21-0010), [7]. A luxury hotel with multiple wings and a connected game center and aqua-fun park. In true Beppu style, it has its own onsen on the premises.Rates range from ¥15,900 (per person) in Japanese or Western-style rooms on the Hon-Kan floor to ¥23,250 (per person) on the Good Time Floor.

Takasakiyama (Tel. 097-532-5010 Open daily 8:30AM-5:00PM ticket office closes at 4:30PM; ¥500) About half-way between Oita and Beppu, where a colony of over 500 Japanese macaques can be visited in a pleasant surrounding. The macaques walk among you and one of the best sights is feeding time when a frenzy starts. For photos and video the best time to visit is from morning to early afternoon when the sun is behind you. At the base of the mountain is the visitors' center and Oita's Marine Palace, an aquarium with a dolphin show and trained fish. Those going to both can get a discount ticket at the Beppu Tourist Office in Beppu Station.

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